We have all been in a situation where we have attended a lecture, yet during self-study we struggle with the topic. To master a topic you need a lot of patience and persistence. However, with such limited time when meeting deadlines is the only priority, patience might not work as a virtue. In the digital age of knowledge and education, success is dependent on smart work not hard work. Students are encouraged to not just stick to the text anymore, but rather explore, experiment, and learn via visual aid.

As a parent, seeing your child struggle with these topics can be quite daunting. Generally, when kids find something difficult to understand, they start doubting their capabilities. Eventually, this creates a domino effect that leads to self-sabotaging behaviors, and performance anxiety and pushes the child down the confidence hill. To deal with this issue, a parent has to be a solution-oriented wizard and a motivational booster at the same time.

However, as a student if you are struggling with learning and grasping a difficult topic, chances are you are not approaching the topic right, instead, you are just relying on the text. Simple text can be a little confusing at times. Generally, books are meant to help you get the gist of the topics while details are left for imagination. You continuously have to reconnect, revise and rummage through your memory for the details. For understanding the topic rather than cramming it, it is better to look beyond your textbooks.

If you are still confused about how you can learn a topic on your own or help your child speed up learning, we have listed down some Effective Ways to Understand Difficult Topics that can boost your learning process. 

Use Technology

For every possible issue you might come across while studying, there is already an app or website that is helpful. Once you have heard something in your textbook but are unable to understand, look for its tutorial video or demonstration online. YouTube has the biggest educational library where you can look for small topics from biological phenomena occurring in the human body to the biggest disasters occurring in nature. These educational videos will help you increase your understanding of the topic and learn it better. After you are done understanding, try to memorize it by using flashcards and quiz-based applications that are available online. There are so many websites that have mock quizzes on almost all the topics so you can practice more.

Take Help from an Expert

Self-learning is very important and there is no doubt about it. However, in some cases, there is support required so you can get to the core of the topic. The best way to support your learning is to discuss it with an expert. There is a high chance that an expert in the field will not only help you understand it better, but the topic will also become part of your core memory. Private tutoring, one on one learning lessons, or asking your teacher about the topic in detail can help you master the subject.

Writing Cues

Cure writing is generally known as short notes preparation. After you are done with the basics of learning, you have to write it down on paper. For every concept you learned, you need one-or two-word cues to recall the whole concept. These cues will be used for the identification of complex concepts. Most people use acronyms as cues, while others use pictures and numbers. However, there is no hard and fast rule about writing cues, so you can add pictures, symbols, words, or even colors.

Learn Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is one of the oldest and most effective learning models. Once you read something, you have to lay them down in your mind just like clues are laid on cardboard. After that, you need to relate them together. Generally, realties are built when cues are identical so it can create a domino effect where one clue triggers the other cue and so on. Psychologically, mind mapping works similar to assembling a diagram on a piece of paper. However, for the mapping, you do not have to write the whole topic, instead, just cues are enough.  

Look For Real Life Examples

Every time you read something, your brain makes a visual representation of what you just read and then you get to notice it in real life. However, some subjects do not offer us any reference at all because of their theoretical nature. This is the reason subjects that are complex and critical like chemistry, physics, or astrology require more time for understanding. For instance, you might not be able to picture a covalent bond when you read about it. To make it a part of your core memory, look for examples and then relate them to real-life situations.

Use Apprenticeship Model

Back in 1880, a new learning model was introduced known as the Apprenticeship model that was used for teaching medical students. This model is generally known as the SODOTO model. Within this learning model, you learn to see one thing, then do something related to that and finally teach it to someone. This process can start by using observation to just pick cues in nature, then practice it by using hands-on methods, and finally, you can teach it to someone who does not know. This learning model helps you tap into long-term memory but generally, it is a bit lengthy.

Engage All Senses

Usually, most people are visual learners while some are auditory learners or kinetic learners. In most cases, people are not familiar with their learning type, so they stick to just reading textbooks. Experts believe that if you involve more senses this will speed up the learning process and prolong your learning capacity. You will be able to learn for a longer time and it will become a part of your long-term memory. The best way to learn something is to make sure you are engaging all your senses including sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. However, the preference is to include at least three i.e. sight, touch, and hearing.

Bottom Line

Learning is part of growth so regardless of your age, profession, or social status, it will continue throughout your life. To boost your learning capacity, it is advised to take help from technology, learning models, or subject experts. If you are looking for a subject professional for private tutoring, you can take help from Corvus Academics. For more details about one-to-one learning and meeting specialized teachers, reach out at +1 203 249 4095.